On a typical Monday morning, the roads in Accra are congested to the fullest because it is rush hour and everybody is heading to work or other important places. The roads are constantly congested during peak hours due to the growing number of cars in the country, yet, no road infrastructure to keep up with the pace. One would think the vehicles in the country are more than human beings. This is not just an Accra problem; it is a problem in Kumasi, Takoradi, and other urban settings.
Everyone aspires to own a car in Ghana, particularly used cars, due to their affordability, and statistics show that over 90 percent of Ghana’s vehicle imports are used and salvaged. Out of this, the Greater Accra Region has the highest number of registered vehicles, followed by Kumasi. Though the increasing number of vehicles may feel like growth for individuals and for the nation, there is more to transportation than just an endless stream of cars on our roads.
Difference between transportation and mobility
Mobility and transportation are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Transportation connects people, cultures, cities, countries, and continents, serving as a pillar of modern societies and economies. It allows producers to sell their goods globally and travelers to discover new places. It ensures access to public services like health, education, and work, contributing to a better quality of life. Being connected to various forms of transport boosts economies in remote areas, creates jobs, and distributes wealth among the local population.
Mobility refers to the potential for movement and travel between places using various transportation modes, with ease and accessibility. Modern policies can enhance mobility by enabling efficient travel over longer distances through systems like Interstate highways with truck lanes, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) with dedicated lanes, and Intelligent Traffic Management Systems. Technologies like connected CCTV, computer vision, cloud connectivity, and GPS communication further enhance road safety, capacity, and efficiency.
Why Ghana needs a mobility strategy
Over the years, Ghana has focused more on car accessibility, including the introduction of electric vehicle incentives, ride-hailing services like Bolt and Yango, car importation policies, and others. However, Traffic congestion is getting worse, environmental pollution due to carbon emissions is on the rise, and road safety is still a challenge. Meanwhile, people who don’t own cars still struggle with inconsistent, often unreliable public transport. Trotros break down mid-route, taxis sometimes charge more than the stipulated fare, among others.
A mobility strategy in Ghana should focus on a transportation system that is efficient, safe, and affordable for all citizens, including those without cars. This includes well-planned public transportation, walkable cities with sidewalks and crossings, bicycle lanes, ride-sharing and micro-mobility options like scooters or e-bikes, and tech-based solutions like route tracking apps or digital payment systems. A lack of a clear mobility strategy can lead to increased pollution and productivity loss.
Ghana would be following the footsteps of other African cities like Kigali, Cape Town, and Nairobi, which are already investing in structured urban mobility plans such as Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and other smart transportation mediums. A 2021 study shows that in Rwanda, the emphasis placed by public authorities on the role of digital technologies in strategic national transformations has been evident since 2000. In the realm of mobility, the Rwandan government pursued a proactive policy of modernizing public transport services in the capital city of Kigali, heavily supported by digital technologies.
Conclusion
Imagine a Ghana where you can track buses, spend little or no time in traffic, safely transport people with disabilities and the elderly, bike to work without potholes, and have cleaner air. This shift in mindset will allow people more time to focus on family, work, and rest. We should have a mobility strategy that puts people at the center, not just vehicles; a future not just full of cars but an inclusive and efficient mobility system.
